Considering a career in teaching young children?

Are you interested in working with young children? Our early childhood program may be just what you’re looking for!

The endorsement in Early Childhood (ZS) Education for elementary teachers consists of 24 credit hours.

Dr. Peggy Thelen is the Director of the ZS endorsement program. For more information, email her at thelen@alma.edu.

Experiential Learning

You will have two early childhood classroom placements in the local area. The first placement is typically the first semester of your second year, and the second placement is typically the first semester of your third year.

The early childhood student teaching term is 7 weeks long, and is done in either an infant, toddler, or preschool general or special education classroom. You may do your EC student teaching near your hometown (except in the Upper Peninsula).

Service Learning opportunities are available and change with the community need.

You will have opportunities for international teaching experiences through Spring Terms as well as with a P-Global grant and/or a Venture Grant.

“I am so thankful for Alma College for giving me the opportunity to be placed in numerous classrooms during my four years. As a first year teacher I felt prepared and excited to use the teaching strategies and skills I had learned.”

~Gillian Young ’17, Kindergarten Teacher, Alma Public Schools

“Alma prepared me with the tools and knowledge to tackle my first year teaching and beyond. My learning at Alma was framed by what it takes to be an educator, both in and out of the classroom environment. I know that the skills I attained at Alma will continue to help me shape the minds of every student that walks through my classroom door.”

~Katie Westmoreland ’15, 4th Grade Teacher, Bishop Kelley, Lapeer

“I believe that Alma College has truly shaped who I am as an educator today! Through the Education Program at Alma, I spent numerous hours in a real classroom observing and learning in a hands on setting. This experience was extremely beneficial to my development as an educator. The Education Program’s high standards taught me about professionalism, curriculum, and classroom management. All three of these things benefited me greatly as a first year teacher, and continues to help me seven years later! Go Scots!

The Alma College teacher education program accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). This accreditation certifies that our education program has provided evidence that the program adheres to TEAC’s quality principles.